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Liliana Camargo
Ms. Gifford
English 1-2
25 September 2015
Analysis of George in Of Mice and Men
Sometimes an individual may act hostile or insensitive due to his or her everyday
responsibilities. In the novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck George and Lennie are living
during the 1930s in the Central Valley of California and are trying to earn money to live off the
land, but their interactions with others hold them back. In the realistic literature, George,
Lennies best friend, is immensely defensive and inconsiderate because he wants to protect
Lennie.
George is persistently inconsiderate due to the massive stress he carries around from
Lennie. In the first scene while camping by the Salinas River, George ferociously explodes when
Lennie continually asks for ketchup for his beans. The author reveals Georges irritable behavior
by writing, You crazy son-of-a-bitch. You keep me in hot water all the time (Steinbeck 11).
Steinbeck reveals Georges vexation using indirect characterization through dialogue. If George
was able to handle his rage in a more formal way he wouldve appeared more understanding of
Lennies mental disability. Steinbeck clearly proves George is inconsiderate to Lennie by the
way he controls his verbal abuse. Also, another example of Georges vicious behavior is revealed
in a dispute over Curleys wife. On George and Lennies first day on the ranch, they encounter
Curleys wife and George is infuriated by Lennies admiration for her. Georges irritation is
evident when the author shares, Dont even take a look at that bitch. I dont care what she says
or what she does (Steinbeck 32). Steinbeck indirectly demonstrates us Georges fury through
his speech. If George addressed the situation in a calm way he might have been able to come to
Lennies senses. Steinbeck once again proves to us that George is inconsiderate to Lennie due to
his short temper and lack of comprehension on Lennies disorder. It is justifiable to state that
George is unsympathetic and treats Lennie poorly persistently.
The insensitivity George expresses to Lennie is evident, however Gorge can also be
defensive for his best friend. When George and Lennie first clash with Curley on their first day
on the ranch, Curley intimidates Lennie causing George to become protective. It is evident that
George is protective of Lennie when the author provides, Say, what the hells he got on his
shoulder? Lennie didnt do nothing to him (Steineck 26). Steinbeck indirectly proves that
George is protective through his dialogue. If George wasnt defensive he wouldnt have stood up
for Lennie. Steinbeck clearly verifies that George may be caring for Lennie. Later in the
literature, George is also protective after another interaction with Curley. One night after

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everyone has eaten dinner, Curley walks into the bunks and instigates a fight with Lennie, but he
soon becomes injured. Georges care for Lennie is evident when the author states, Lennie was
jus scairt, he explained. He didnt know what to do. I told you nobody ought never to fight
him (Steinbeck 65). Steinbeck clearly shows us indirectly that George is defensive over Lennie
through his speech. If George was truly insensitive he wouldnt have persuaded everyone to
believe that Lennie was innocent. Steinbeck once again demonstrates to us that George is
protective of Lennie. It is reasonable to state that although George may be inconsiderate at times
he is also protective and caring.
Steinbeck characterizes George as a discourteous person, but it is all caused by the stress
he carries by protecting Lennie. Caring about another individual can always be a big hassle.
However, it is justifiable to be inconsiderate like George. It is rational to say that an individual
may be pushed to their limit when their care for others puts them in strainful situations.